South African singer-songwriter Lloyiso has issued an emotional appeal to Nigerian promoters and agents, revealing that despite Nigeria being his third-largest streaming market, he has never performed in the country.
Lloyiso Gijana, signed to global independent label EMPIRE, made the remarks in a video that has since sparked conversation across social media.
“But I’ve been singing for a while now, and a big part of my fan base is in Nigeria. My third streaming country is Nigeria. I have three cities in Nigeria that are going crazy for my music — Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, all in the top 10,” he said. “But I’ve never done a show in Nigeria. That is ridiculous.”
He said he has tried repeatedly to secure bookings but has been unable to break through.
“I’ve been trying and trying to reach out to people. It’s hard. It’s so hard. It’s expensive. I can’t afford it. So I’m asking promoters to book me, but nobody’s trying to book me. The herd is out there asking for me,” he said.
Lloyiso acknowledged the messages from Nigerian fans urging him to visit. “You guys are texting me: ‘Please come to Lagos. Please come to Nigeria.’ I hear you. I see your messages.”
He extended the frustration to other African markets, including Kenya, Zambia and Namibia, where he also has fanbases but no performance history.
“The disconnect is real. There are no agents in Africa serving the people properly. It’s so hard to find promoters and agents that can book artists and partner with brands,” he said.
He pointed to the imbalance in his touring schedule, noting that he is currently in London performing shows while Africa remains untouched.
Lloyiso then made a direct commitment to Nigerian fans. “Nigeria, I promise you, before the end of this year, I need to be there. I have to be in Lagos in December.”
However, his planned Nigerian debut faces a complicating factor beyond booking logistics. Diplomatic relations between Nigeria and South Africa remain strained following a wave of xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa earlier this year.
Two Nigerian citizens were killed in September: James Uchechukwu Nwankwo and Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle. Nigeria’s National Assembly suspended official visits to South Africa and boycotted South African-hosted legislative activities. The Federal Government has evacuated hundreds of Nigerians from South Africa in recent months, with more returnees arriving this week.
The tensions have spilt into public life. In August, Nigerian and South African delegates nearly came to blows at a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference in Malawi over whether to label the violence “xenophobia” or “illegal immigration.”
For a South African artist seeking Nigerian bookings, that environment presents real risks. Promoters weigh public sentiment, and some Nigerian fans have already begun questioning whether a South African act should be welcomed while Nigerians are being attacked in his home country.
The sentiment is not universal. Many Nigerian fans have rallied behind Lloyiso, tagging event companies and urging them to book him. But the broader diplomatic climate could give promoters pause, particularly for a December show when emotions around the issue remain raw.
Lloyiso did not address the xenophobic attacks directly in his remarks. He focused on the lack of African booking infrastructure and his desire to connect with fans.
“African agents, come through for your boy. Come through for the herd. Come through for the loyals. Nigeria, I love you guys, and I need to come,” he said.
No Nigerian promoter has publicly responded to his appeal. Whether the diplomatic tensions affect his December plans remains unclear.
